San Diego, California, August 21, 2025
News Summary
VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has opened its first authorized dealership, VinFast San Diego, on August 19, 2025. This marks a significant step in the company’s transition to a franchise model, allowing it to expand its presence across the U.S. electric vehicle market. The grand opening featured test drives of the VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs, highlighting VinFast’s commitment to engaging consumers. With nearly 30 dealerships across 14 states and plans for national expansion, VinFast aims to enhance its dealership network and meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in California.
California Welcomes VinFast’s First Authorized Dealership
VinFast, an emerging Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has opened its first authorized dealership in California, known as VinFast San Diego, on August 19, 2025. This event marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy within the U.S. electric vehicle market.
The grand opening ceremony attracted a variety of attendees, including company executives, local media representatives, and potential consumers eager to learn more about the brand. Guests at the event had the opportunity to test drive VinFast’s two flagship electric SUVs: the mid-size VF 8 and the full-size VF 9, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing hands-on consumer experiences.
Transition to Franchise Model
VinFast San Diego is operated by the Sunroad Automotive Group and began its business operations earlier in the summer. This dealership is pivotal for VinFast as it marks the company’s shift from a direct sales model to a franchise dealership model, which will be implemented across all 50 states. VinFast aims to replace its existing 15 company-owned retail stores in California as part of this transition.
With California identified as a priority market, VinFast’s strategic focus aligns with the state’s growing electric vehicle (EV) sector, offering significant growth potential. The dealership will provide a range of services, including vehicle sales, warranty support, maintenance, repairs, and the availability of genuine VinFast parts.
National Expansion of Authorized Dealerships
VinFast has successfully established nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states, with a presence in major markets such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. The company’s electric SUVs are competitively priced, with the VF 8 starting at $39,900 and leasing options available from $279 per month, while the VF 9 starts at $62,900 with leasing options from $449 monthly. Both models come with robust warranties, including a 10-year or 125,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, limited to non-commercial use.
Global Expansion Plans
The company’s transition to a franchise model began in late 2023 with the signing of five initial franchise agreements. VinFast aims to scale operations beyond North America and Europe, eyeing new markets in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East. The strategic move to partner with local franchisees is intended to help maximize operational efficiency while leveraging the partners’ market expertise.
VinFast is currently valued at $8.35 billion and reported preliminary domestic deliveries of 11,479 electric vehicles in Vietnam as of July 2025. Despite facing challenges in achieving profitability, the company shows a potential for strong revenue growth according to industry analysts. The positive response from the local consumer base during the grand opening underscores growing interest in electric vehicles across the U.S. market.
As part of community engagement efforts, a donation of $25,000 was made by Bob Weidinger from the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association to aid in expanding training programs for automotive service students.
Conclusion
The opening of VinFast San Diego not only enhances the company’s dealership network but also signals the growing acceptance and demand for electric vehicles as consumers seek sustainable transportation options.
FAQ
What is VinFast San Diego?
VinFast San Diego is the first authorized dealership of VinFast in California, opening on August 19, 2025, and is part of a strategic shift towards a franchise dealership model.
What models does VinFast offer at the San Diego dealership?
The dealership offers two flagship electric SUVs: the mid-size VF 8 and the full-size VF 9.
What are the warranty options for VinFast vehicles?
Both the VF 8 and VF 9 come with a 10-year or 125,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, for non-commercial use.
What is VinFast’s expansion strategy?
VinFast aims to expand its dealership network across all 50 states by transitioning from company-owned to franchise dealership models, which will enhance operational efficiency and leverage local market expertise.
| Model | Starting Price | Leasing Options | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| VF 8 | $39,900 | From $279/month | 10-year/125,000 miles vehicle warranty |
| VF 9 | $62,900 | From $449/month | 10-year/125,000 miles vehicle warranty |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Investing.com: VinFast Opens First California Dealership in San Diego
- Wikipedia: VinFast
- PR Newswire: VinFast Celebrates Grand Opening of First California Dealership in San Diego
- Google Search: VinFast California dealership
- AutoRemarketing: VinFast’s First California Dealership Opens
- Google News: VinFast dealership
- CBS 8: Vietnamese EV Maker VinFast Launches First California Dealership in San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: VinFast
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
